Automobile Accidents and Wage Loss
If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident, lost wage compensation is usually not the first thought to occur. From the moment of impact on, your mind is focused on you and your loved one’s safety, health, and recovery. We all know the expenses of health insurance and emergency hospital bills: overnight stays, equipment, scans and x-rays, medications, and long-term patient care. However, one area of recovery often overlooked is the impact of the injury on your employment. Recovery in some cases may be quick and easy. In others, the injury from the auto accident may keep you out of work for weeks – possibly months. Should you or a loved one be injured through no fault of your own, you may be able to recover for missed employment wages.
If you are the injured party, recovery may take much longer than first expected. Returning to work may not even be feasible for a long time. Fortunately, a personal injury attorney that specializes in automotive accident recovery may be able to assist you. If you are injured and cannot return to work, you may be owed money for lost wage damages.
Lost wage damages are only one part of injury compensation but cannot be overlooked. Similar to a workman’s compensation claim, if the accident caused the injuries preventing you from returning to work, you will have lost wages. As soon as possible, contact your employer to request a letter that includes previous hours and pay scale. The letter should include overtime wages, and how many days since the accident you have been unable to perform your employment duties. Additionally, make sure you maintain records of your doctor visits. Regular care and updates are necessary both for your recovery and compensation.
The doctors will keep records of your injury and recovery. They will have the opportunity to evaluate your injury and to determine an estimate of how long the injuries may take to heal before you may return to work. This estimate, along with the letters and pay stubs provided by your employer, should be given to your personal injury attorney. With this information, your attorney will represent you and your case. The more information and evidence provided, the more likely the insurance agency will be willing to settle. If not, the accident attorney will take the case to trial. Throughout all of this, continue to keep proper records of your healthcare appointments and ongoing lost wages. These wages may also include family members if they cannot work in order to provide home care to you.
If you have any questions regarding a personal injury you have experienced, or questions about recovery of lost wages from the accident, contact a Personal Injury Lawyer.